Buffalo Bills News - July 16, 2001

Holecek got blindsided in a cut-throat business [9:00 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'Surely, Cowart knew it would weaken Holecek's standing with the team if Cowart got the middle linebacker's job. Holecek was making too much money ($1.25 million base) to be a backup, and he lacked the speed to play outside in the Bills' revamped defense.'

July 15, 2001

Cowart stunned by axing of Holecek [9:15 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'"I was very surprised when I first heard the news," Cowart said from his off-season home in Jacksonville, Fla. "Anytime you lose someone you play next to and bond with, it's a tough thing."'

July 14, 2001

Bills anticipate increase in season-ticket sales [8:58 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'The Buffalo Bills say season-ticket sales are progressing nicely. While the team doesn't have an exact figure, it is optimistic about exceeding the totals of the past two seasons.'

Buchsbaum on Holecek\'s release [3:24 PM]Pro Football Weekly reports:
\'He\'s a scheme-oriented player, a great team guy, a super individual, high class, team-oriented and everything else. But as the fourth LB [in a 4-3], where he can flow to the ball and use his great instincts and intangibles, he\'s a terrific player. He\'s just couldn’t be as effective in the 4-3.\'

Release leaves Holecek with bitter taste [9:03 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'"I think Gregg Williams is going to be a great coach and he has a terrific staff. But I can foresee some problems with the general manager and the coach because there's not a lot of honesty coming from the general manager position."'

Timing of release embitters Holecek [5:34 AM]D and C reports:
'The move -- which caught Holecek by surprise and has left him feeling bitter -- saved the team around $1 million in cap space. The Bills are now $2.25 million under the cap, which is enough to sign their top three draft picks, Nate Clements, Aaron Schobel and Travis Henry.'

Holecek's release shocks Cowart [5:33 AM]D and C reports:
'"But it just seems to be the story of this off-season, guys being let go. We have to rally together and young guys definitely have to step up."'

July 12, 2001

NFL announces comprehensive new media agreement [10:38 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'The four-way partnership encompasses wide-ranging initiatives, including online and offline cross promotion and marketing with America Online, a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., and CBS. It also takes advantage of Viacom's stable of media properties. In addition, SportsLine.com Inc. will produce and host NFL.com, the most popular sports league site.'

Bills Release Holecek [4:10 PM]AP reports:
There had been speculation last winter that Holecek would leave as the Bills worked to trim millions to get under the salary cap. But Holecek, who signed a five-year, $12.5 million extension in 1998, reportedly agreed to a $600,000 pay cut.

Bills release John Holecek [1:24 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
"This has been one of our more difficult decisions to make," said Bills President Tom Donahoe. "We've decided to do it now so that John can have the opportunity to catch on with another team. We certainly appreciate all that John has contributed to this organization and wish him all the best in the future."

Pittsburgh game sold out before single seats are available. [12:44 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
Tough luck to those Bills fans desiring to buy tickets to September 30 Pittsburgh game. The remainder of the seats were sold out to group sales before single ticket seats go on sale to the general public this Saturday, July 14th beginning at 9:00 AM.

July 11, 2001

From NFL to Bislett Games [3:55 PM]Norway Post reports:
\'Last season he starred for the Buffalo Bills in the U.S. National Football League. On Friday Leif Olve Dolonen Larsen, 26, is one of the main attractions at the track and field festival Bislett Games in Oslo.\'

Phillips ruling pending [3:54 PM]D and C reports:
'The NFL has yet to make a ruling on Wade Phillips' contract dispute with the Buffalo Bills.'

Bills/Gatorade Jr. Training Camp heads for Amherst [3:18 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'Tomorrow afternoon at 1:00PM, the Bills/Gatorade Jr. Training Camp will be making its sixth stop on its journey across Western New York at St. Leo's School (Northeast YMCA) located at 903 Sweet Home Road in Amherst, New York. '

Bills make roster moves [3:17 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'The Buffalo Bills today announced that the team has signed two free agents- center Michael Early and safety Brian Leigeb. In accordance with club policy terms were not disclosed.'

Bills try to sign draft picks [9:03 AM]Buffalo News reports:
But the agents of cornerback Nate Clements, defensive end Aaron Schobel and running back Travis Henry are confident their clients will be under contract when the Bills\' rookies and veterans begin practice on July 29 at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford.\'

No. 6 pick Alexander agrees to 3-year deal [6:54 AM]Nashville Tennessean reports:
'The Titans yesterday worked out [Former Bill] Jonathan Linton, another potential reserve running back. ''We've seen enough film on him, we know what he can do. We just wanted to visit with him and give him a physical,'' Reese said.'

July 10, 2001

Developing Trend: Media Picking Bills in 2001 [11:57 PM]TBD reports:
'Predictions don't mean much, but they do show that people are taking notice of you. It would be easy to ignore the Bills on the heels of an offseason which they lost some very good players, saw a major turnover of a respected front office team AND hired a new, untested coaching staff installing all new systems in the process.'